Printed letterhead states 'Office of Government Botanist, Ootacamund, South India'. Barber writes to update Thiselton-Dyer on his activities and progress. His work is viewed as mainly economic and he believes his systematic work will soon take second place. Barber has been placed on a special duty by Government order, which will allow him to begin an experimental sugar station in the Godavari district. At present, they have selected the land and have begun a preliminary study of its capacity. They will soon begin marking out plots for work to commence. Barber mentions that the Coorg Sandalwood Forest is in a bad condition, as it is believed there is a disease amongst the trees; Butler has failed to find any traces of fungi in the specimens that have been sent to Calcutta. He explains that the disease is 'evidenced by a spiky form assumed by the branches'. Barber goes on to discuss the usual pests found in tea, coffee and other products, including the pepper vine disease, which is caused by a mite that is destroying all the peppers of the Waynaad [Wayanad]. Barber believes that the issue of permanent establishment in the area will be mooted officially soon, although he remains unworried as he still has two years left on his original agreement. Barber notes both his assistants are doing well. Pages 1 and 4 of 5.